“I shall continue to do that until such time as the FA say, “We don’t need you any more, we’re employing somebody else” and then I’ll move on”.
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Under the command of Roy Hodgson, England are looking forward to the Slovakia game after they won 2-1 against Wales and drew 1-1 in their first match against Russian Federation, reports Efe.
Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy came on to change the game, each scoring in a 2-1win and both have been tipped to play against Slovakia on Monday. Vardy is breathing down the neck of Raheem Sterling, whilst there are some suggestions that Jack Wilshere could replace Dele Alli, in a bid to freshen the midfield up a little whilst giving the inexperienced Alli a rest.
“I know them, and they know me, though there’s more to the match than just that”.
“I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary”, he said, before rejecting suggestions Tottenham striker Harry Kane is worn out.
“It’s really a question of what we would like to do rather than what we feel is necessary”. Everyone has seen the quality of players which we mentioned before the tournament.
“I think the feeling was that the benchmark had been set and next time we would probably get there but it wasn’t to be”.
On the other hand, Slovakia will try to maintain the good image they left against Russian Federation, after achieving their first win in the European Championship since their separation from the Czech Republic in 1993. “Doing well? Semi-finals would be great; quarter-finals if we play well and meet one of the best sides and, unfortunately, lost or went out on penalties, something like that”.
Earlier on Sunday, Football Association chairman Greg Dyke offered no further guarantees to Hodgson about a new contract after the tournament.
“We know we’ve got good quality players who can score goals and it’s important that we try and get them the chances to get them the opportunity to do that”. If you get knocked out in the group stage, that is a disaster.
Hodgson was philosophical about the latest comments. “That is down to his bosses but, as players, we want him to stay”.
“It shouldn’t go unnoticed the amount of young players he’s introduced into the squad over the last four years”. “Not only because he scored, but because he worked for us for 90 minutes”.
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Skrtel has spent over eight years at Anfield, although speculation persists over his Liverpool future, and he admits Monday’s clash will be one to remember.
